GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Detroit Red Wings, NHL affiliate to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, today signed right wing Francis Pare to a two-year entry-level contract.

Last night, Pare netted his 23rd goal of the season during the Griffins’ 3-0 win at Rochester, matching the single-season franchise record for a rookie set just two days earlier by teammate Justin Abdelkader. Pare, 21, has enjoyed a stellar rookie season with Grand Rapids and currently ranks among team leaders with 47 points (T3rd), 23 goals (T2nd), 24 assists (T9th) and a plus-22 rating (1st).

A native of Lemoyne, Quebec, Pare is also positioned among AHL rookie leaders in points (T11th), goals (T3rd) and shooting percentage (5th – 0.172), while his plus-22 rating is tied for 14th overall in the league.

In 2007-08, Pare was named the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player and a First Team QMJHL All-Star, after leading the league with 102 points (54-48—102) in 69 games with Chicoutimi.

Pare and the Griffins return to Van Andel Arena this Friday in their home finale against the Hamilton Bulldogs at 7 p.m. The game will be a preview of an opening round Calder Cup playoff meeting between the two clubs, which will be a best-of-seven series to begin the week of April 13.